Starting Late Doesn't Mean You Failed | Filipino Societal Pressure

Feeling like you’re behind in life because you started your career or business later than others? You’re not alone, ka-Kuda!

Society tells us we should have everything figured out by 30 – the perfect career, marriage, kids, and financial success. But in Filipino culture, these expectations are even more pronounced: “Bago ka mag 35 dapat may asawa at anak ka na.” Sound familiar?

In this episode, Sheryl and Sariah share their own journeys of finding success after 30, pivoting during the pandemic, and discovering that there’s no universal timeline for success. Whether you’re 25, 35, or 45, this episode will shift your perspective on what it means to be “on time” in your own life.

What You’ll Discover

✨ Why society’s timeline doesn’t define your success✨ Real stories of career pivots and business breakthroughs after 30✨ How the pandemic became a catalyst for unexpected opportunities✨ Practical steps to stop comparing yourself to others✨ The mindset shift that transforms “late” into “right on time”

Episode Timestamps

1:59 | Intro to the topic – Why we’re talking about starting “late”

2:18 | Message from our ka-Kuda – “Feeling niya failure siya kase she started late and she’s envious of the younger generations who started their freelancing career early”

2:53 | Pressure from Society – Breaking down the Filipino cultural expectations and invisible timelines we’re all supposed to follow

4:08 | You are not late at 30 – Sheryl and Sariah share their freelancing career and business journeys

8:42 | Finding opportunity in crisis – When Sariah started her coaching business during the pandemic while everyone else was losing their businesses, she found hers

14:50 | Pivot power – How Sheryl found her way to pivot during pandemic

16:56 | Finding your own success – Why do you feel you are lost? How do you find your own success

Key Takeaways🎯 Filipino Cultural Expectations Don’t Define Your Success

“Late doesn’t mean you failed, or may mali kang ginawa” – Your journey is unique, and the cultural pressure to achieve certain milestones by specific ages doesn’t account for your individual path.

💪 Crisis Creates Opportunity

The pandemic wasn’t just a time of loss – it was also a time of discovery. While some businesses closed, others found their calling.

🌟 Your “Late” Might Be Your “Right Time”

What feels like being behind might actually be perfect timing for your specific circumstances, experience, and life situation.

Remember mga ka-KUDA:

Your timeline is not their timeline. Your success story doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Whether you’re starting at 25, 35, or 55 – you’re exactly where you need to be.

The question isn’t “Am I late?” The question is “Am I ready to begin?”

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Thank you mga Ka-Kuda for joining our conversation this Season 2.

If you haven’t listened to Season 1 yet please take time to listen lalo if you are an aspiring freelancer or already a seasoned freelancer.

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